16/07/2021
For those lucky enough to have a senior dog, this is an excellent post on changes to watch out for.
๐ For supplements I give my own dogs Antinol Rapid and recommend it as a supplement for all dogs from puppies to seniors.
๐๐ณ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ด...๐๐ต๐ถ๐ ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐! .
Over the past few months, I've had an above average number of senior dog owners contact me in the hope that I can work with their dog who has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Many of them are desperate to do anything they possibly can to improve their senior dog's quality of life. Their commitment to their dogs reaffirms my belief in the inherent goodness of humans, but I feel so bad because many of them are at a loss in terms of next steps...so hopefully this helps.
๐๐จ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฌ. A dog who can move comfortably is able to participate in family life, access various areas of the house and back yard, defecate independently, walk, and play. But what can be done to establish and maintain mobility?
๐. ๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
I'm a huge advocate of recognizing and addressing mobility issues early, but too often early signs of discomfort are dismissed simply because dogs communicate and provide feedback differently than humans do. Typical signs of pain I ask my clients to watch for include:
a) ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐ ๐๐ข๐ญ. You may notice that your dog has slowed down, or is limping or bunny hopping.
b) ๐๐ข๐๐๐ข๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฌ. For example, they may be slow to get up from laying down, or hesitant to sit.
c) ๐๐ฏ๐จ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐๐. This is one of the biggest ways that dogs communicate with us, but it's often dismissed as stubbornness. You may find your dog avoiding specific parts of your house, such as the stairs or slippery floors. You may find that they start to avoid jumping on furniture or into the car, or hide when it's time to go for a walk. They may choose not to participate in activities like playing fetch or going for walks. They may avoid the family in general, and hide in quiet rooms.
d) ๐๐๐ก๐๐ฏ๐ข๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฌ. You may notice your dog sleeping more, and possibly either ignoring or growling at family members (canine and human). Your dog may lick their joints obsessively, or start trembling or shaking unexpectedly. They may vocalize unexpectedly, for example, when changing position.
e) ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฌ. You may notice changes in your dog's stance, or a change in muscle mass. Unfortunately when we see a dog every day, it can be really difficult to notice these changes. It can be helpful to look at pictures from the past to compare, or ask a friend/dog trainer/groomer etc. if they have noticed any changes.
f) ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ. You may notice your dog struggling to defecate or urinate, especially with squatting or leg lifting. Your dog may start having accidents in the house, or need to go to the washroom more frequently.
g) ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ก๐๐ฏ๐ข๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐. This is really important to watch, especially if the behaviour change results in aggressive behaviour toward the senior dog.
h) ๐๐ฌ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐ง ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐? This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it's a starting point. If your gut is telling you there's an issue - listen and make the vet appointment. Recognize and react early.
๐. ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ
Your veterinarian can be a fantastic source of information when it comes to โnext steps.โ I strongly suggest walking in with a list of talking points in hand, and doing your research in advance. This will ensure all your concerns are addressed, but will also ensure you are being respectful of the vetโs time.
Subjects to discuss include:
a) ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง. There are foods specifically designed to improve mobility, such as Hills J/D. Some vetsโ offices also have qualified nutritionists on site who can provide appropriate advice.
b) ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ: There are a lot of supplements on the market that cost a lot of money, but have absolutely no proven impact on osteoarthritis. Two interesting supplements that Iโm currently following the science on (studies posted below, but more are available through Google Scholar) are Green Lipped Mussel (available in supplements like YuMOVE), which improve the mobility of osteoarthric dogs, and Fortetropin (available in supplements like Myos Canine Muscle Formula), which can reduce muscle atrophy. Your vet is more likely to be up to date on the current science than I am, and will likely have other suggestions which would be appropriate for your dog.
c) ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง: Before attending the appointment with your vet, I suggest doing some research on available medication for canine osteoarthritis. There are quite a few options available, and if one doesnโt work for your dog, talk to your vet about trying an alternative approach. Knowledge is power, and if you can walk into your vetโs office with a basic understanding of potential medications, their likely benefits, and potential side effects, itโs easier to have a fruitful discussion regarding next steps.
d) ๐๐๐๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ: Depending on your location and the amenities available to you, you may also want to discuss resources such as laser therapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, a referral to a CCRP/CCRT, or any other resource available to you. Again, I suggest doing your research in advance on Google Scholar to find reliable information about the efficacy of various treatment options so that your conversation with your vet is as productive as possible.
๐. ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ
Complementary care integrates with conventional medicine, but itโs important to note that it does not replace conventional medicine. Examples of complementary care services that may be helpful for a dog with osteoarthritis include massage, conditioning, chiropractic care, and hydrotherapy.
As a complementary care provider focused on conditioning and massage, I can tell you that massage can reduce stiffness and compensatory stress while improving range of motion, which positively impacts mobility. Conditioning can improve proprioception, balance, and flexibility, and reduce muscle atrophy, thereby improving functional wellness. The really nice thing about an effective conditioning plan is that it can build muscle more effectively and comfortably than a traditional walk - the dogs truly enjoy it. When pursuing complementary care modalities, itโs important to ensure that the people who are working with your dog have the appropriate qualifications and experience. Depending on your location and other circumstances, a veterinary referral may be necessary.
4. ๐๐จ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ - and not just with words - consider photos and videos as well. Watch for changes in your dogโs mobility - what makes it worse? What makes it better? This documentation will provide a path forward and can be a very helpful resource when talking to your vet. It may take multiple vet appointments to find a combination of medication/food/supplements/complementary care/treatment that works for your dog - and thatโs okay. You and your vet are collaborators, and the more information you can provide to your vet, the better they can adjust their approach to meet your dogโs needs.
๐. ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐๐ข๐๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ
Your senior dog likely spends the vast majority of their time in the house or yard, and there is SO MUCH that can be done to make their lives more comfortable.
a) If you have laminate flooring, hardwood, tiles, vinyl, or any other type of slippery flooring, consider laying down rugs or yoga mats. Even if you think your senior dog is fine on the slippery surfaces, try laying down some rugs - you may be shocked at how much your dog gravitates to the textured surface.
b) Consider trying an elevated food and water bowls. As each of my dogs has aged, Iโve found that they appreciate an elevated food bowl. When a dogโs head is lowered, the weight shifts to their front assembly (which already bears approximately 60% of their weight). If any of the joints in the front assembly are sore, lowering the head to eat can increase that discomfort.
c) Changes in elevation can be particularly challenging for a dog with osteoarthritis. Whether itโs the steps to go from the deck to the lawn, the stairs to go from the rec room to the kitchen, or the leap required to move from the floor to the couch, bed or vehicle, these changes in elevation can provide painful challenges to dogs with osteoarthritis. Consider the mental impact this can have on a dog as well, if the dog canโt accompany family members as they move to different areas of the household, or struggle to sit beside you on the couch as you watch TV. If you have a small dog, you can often carry them (just make sure they donโt fall or jump off furniture), but for larger dogs more innovation is required. Some of my clients have built long ramps with a gradual slope, others have changed their stairs to decrease the rise and increase the run. Others have changed where they let their dog out, bringing them out through a door that leads directly to the ground. Iโve had clients think outside the box, and simply change how they use their living space, using the living room on the main floor as a rec room so their dog doesnโt feel left out when the family is watching a movie or playing a video game. Other clients have changed their bedroom to the main floor for the same reason. Many clients have incorporated pieces of furniture that allow for easier transitions between the floor and beds or couches, such as ottomans with varied heights. I donโt generally recommend the commercially designed pet stairs for any dogs except for the smallest, due to the steep slope and limited depth of the runner. However, there are talented builders on Etsy and in towns everywhere who have the ability to build furniture that will work well for your pets.
d) A comfortable bed is also important for a dog with osteoarthritis. Many prefer bolstered, supportive beds that area easy to get onto and off of, but ultimately listen to your dog. If they like firm, bolstered beds - great. If they like softer, flat beds, also great!
๐. ๐๐ก๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ง๐๐
Itโs important to maintain you dogโs nails and coat in their senior years. Long nails can further impact their stance and gait, and matted hair can pull on skin that may already be extremely sensitive. Regular dental care will ensure they can continue to eat comfortably, which is important for proper nutrition. Maintaining an appropriate weight is also important - as weight decreases, the pressure placed on joints also decreases, You can find multiple studies on the impact of weight loss on osteoarthritis in humans on Google Scholar.
๐. ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก
One of my clientsโ biggest concerns when I talk to them about their senior dogs is their mental health. They often feel guilt because their dogs canโt accompany them to certain areas of the house, or go on car rides, or enjoy long walks. Household adaptations resolve some of those concerns, but what else can be done?
I encourage my clients to incorporate sensory walks instead of always going on purposeful/destination walks. If they have the ability to put their dog in the car and drive to the destination, I encourage that approach instead of walking to the destination since it will preserve energy. Otherwise I ask them to choose a park or trail close to home. On these sensory walks, the sole goal is to enjoy your time with your dog. Use a long line if possible, and allow your dog to walk at the speed they want, sniff what they to sniff, and rest when they want to rest.
A piece of equipment that can be helpful for transporting dogs to various locations is a pet trailer. These trailers can be attached to a bike, or pushed while walking or jogging. Itโs a great way of allowing your dog to spend time with you, see the outside world, and get them to a destination where you will both enjoy walking.
Look for classes in your area that cater to senior dogs. Locally, Pawsitively Social offers a class specifically designed for seniors called โSenior Momentsโ. If you canโt find a class offered for seniors, contact the class organizer and ask if they have classes that would be ideal for your dog - options may include trick, nosework, or conditioning classes. This will allow you to continue to bond with your pet and stimulate them mentally, while working within their capabilities.
If you live in a household with multiple dogs, it can be easy to forget the seniors. Please donโt. Set aside time for them, even if that time consists of you petting them and telling them how much you love them, or laying beside them in the back yard. These seniors have given us their time, patience and adoration for years and years - now itโs time to pay it back.
๐. ๐๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ
Here are a few resources that clients have found to be incredibly helpful:
a) Canine Arthritis Management: https://www.facebook.com/CAMarthritis
b) Hollyโs Army: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2161091580843717
c) Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/
**Iโm including this here because there is so much information available - all you have to do is research.
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๐ฅ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ: ๐ฌ๐ผ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ด'๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ, ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ถ๐บ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐น๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐น๐น๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ด'๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ, ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ธ๐ป๐ผ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ.
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A few interesting links to get you started on your research:
**This is just a starting point - there are many more excellent resources available.
https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/laser-therapy-for-treatment-of-joint-disease-in-dogs-and-cats/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3525174/
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0231306
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32598445/
https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.10520/EJC99151
